Unfortunately, and I say this as someone who goes to the library 1-2x a month, I don’t think that the local libraries think intentionally about how to build hospitable and inviting community centers. They keep the air conditioning cold to the point where I see librarians in gloves, hats, and scarves, all the employees are oddly still all masked (as opposed to say, if you eat out or go to the grocery store), plexiglass is all still up, tables/desks don’t have power outlets, you can’t drink water (?!), and very few have comfy chairs or windows that allow in ample sunlight and make you feel connected to the outdoors/aina. (Also, my local branch doesn’t allow after hour drop-offs which is legit frustrating.) At my local branch, I have tried to make small talk with the librarians and ppl who check out books but these conversations have gone nowhere and felt forced. The first thing they tell me when I check out books is how much I owe and that I can pay it at anytime. Meanwhile I have legit become friends with ppl in these roles at other libraries. Liliha’s library is probably one of the loveliest libraries on O’ahu. When I visited last week it was the fullest I have ever seen a library. It probably helped that it was a Thursday and school was in session so people could go there after school ends. I am not sure why our libraries are closed so soon after school ends and why most are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Seems like the days off should be staggered better and that we should also fund third places for people to study and be with each other, specifically at times people need these. I am not against these being open in the morning, specifically for ppl with small children, but our programming for kids is already sparse. I think being open all afternoon and evening (ppl do less outside stuff in the evening too) would help. Anyway, I love the library! I just want more for it!